[falseharmonix]

I just planted a vegetable garden in my back yard. I've got an over abundance of squirrels, rabbits, and pesky birds.

Being how I live in Illinois, and in a suburb, I cant discharge a firearm. However, I believe that BB and Pellet rifles are "okay" (Im looking into local laws before I get into trouble). So I am in the market for a semi-accurate rifle. I have no idea where to begin looking, and do not know which brands to look at and which to avoid.

Any takers?

[ninjatoth]

You want a pellet rifle first of all,forget about bbs for killing rabbit sized animals.You don't need anything exotic or more than .177 caliber for what you intend to shoot,and there are a few .177 1,000fps pellet guns that are about $100 like the Daisy 1000X and the Crosman Quest that will more than do the job right.The .22 caliber versions will work fine too if you choose,they shoot 800fps but the .22 pellet is twice as heavy,either way you get about the same killing power.If you want to go more exotic,RWS and Gamo I know are great rifles,but beware of the .177 guns that fire 1,100fps or greater,they produce a sonic boom as loud as an actual .22 bullet.Whatever gun or caliber you choose ,make sure it shoots less than 1,100fps to be sure you won't be making sonic booms in the city to draw attention.

[dnthmn2004]

What he said ^

Or you could look into one of these.

[Troy Michalik]

Let's not forget about the Benjamin / Sheridan line.

Quality products that will give a lifetime of service. And if you decide later to get rid of it, they hold great resale value.

[falseharmonix]

Originally Posted by dnthmn2004

What he said ^

Or you could look into one of these.

Holy $hit! I do not need that kind of firepower!

[c3shooter]

Skip the BB gun- no accuracy, no power. A good pellet gun can amaze you with their accuracy. Higher power= more noise- I have one that is LOUDER than a .22 rifle loaded with CCI CB cap ammo. I also have an older Sheridan Blue Streak in 5mm (20 cal) that will kill squirrel deader than 4 o'clock at 45 yards- But DO check local laws. You MAY have problems with hunting season, hunting license, etc.

[falseharmonix]

According to Illinois law, I'm in the clear. I just need to check into local laws.

[Mack Bolan]

actually in illinois any airgun that shoots over 600fps is considered a firearm, i'm almost positive thats how the fine print reads as i was looking into these types of guns last fall and the legality of possession and such.

squirrels and rabbits are usually fearless enough that you could be close enough to em to use a tazer instead

[falseharmonix]

Originally Posted by Mack Bolan

actually in illinois any airgun that shoots over 600fps is considered a firearm, i'm almost positive thats how the fine print reads as i was looking into these types of guns last fall and the legality of possession and such.

Perhaps that is a Chicago local law? From what I understood it "basically" states that as long as I'm older than 13, am not leaving my property, and don't shoot it across streets or go onto public property I'm in the clear.

I have an edit. I was doing more digging, and it appears anything firing a projectile over .18" diameter might fall into the grey area of a firearm. So by definition, .177" projectiles are okay.



SOURCE

One last edit. Illinois State Police website pointed me to Illinois firearm laws. Nowhere did it ever mention BB or Pellet guns in any capacity. I think it is up to the individual cities or counties to regulate them.

SOURCE

[ninjatoth]

Originally Posted by Mack Bolan

actually in illinois any airgun that shoots over 600fps is considered a firearm, i'm almost positive thats how the fine print reads as i was looking into these types of guns last fall and the legality of possession and such.

squirrels and rabbits are usually fearless enough that you could be close enough to em to use a tazer instead

If that's the case do this:
Crosman 2260. Air rifles - PyramydAir.com

.22 Caliber Pellets@600fps,that should do the job.It's Co2,inexpensive,probably really quiet,faster to reload than a spring powered,and a Crosman.